Abstract
This experimental microcosm study reports the influence of organic enrichments by mussel biodeposits on the metabolic activity and functional diversity of benthic prokaryotic communities. The different biodeposit enrichment regimes created, which mimicked the quantity of faeces and pseudo-faeces potentially deposited below mussel farms, show a clear stimulatory effect of this organic enrichment on prokaryotic metabolic activity. This effect was detected once a certain level of biodeposition was attained with a tipping point estimated between 3.25 and 10 g day-1 m-2. Prokaryotic communities recovered their initial metabolic activity by 11 days after the cessation of biodeposit additions. However, their functional diversity remained greater than prior to the disturbance suggesting that mussel biodeposit enrichment may disturb the functioning and perhaps the role of prokaryotic communities in benthic ecosystems. This manipulative approach provided new information on the influence of mussel biodeposition on benthic prokaryotic communities and dose-response relationships and may support the development of carrying capacity models for bivalve culture.
Highlights
As pointed out by Pearson and Rosenberg [1] four decades ago, the organic enrichment of marine waters and sediments remains one of the most universal environmental disturbances
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of mussel biodeposition on the metabolic activity and functional diversity of benthic prokaryotic communities
Danovaro et al [11] observed little effect of mussel farming on prokaryotic abundances, other studies have shown prokaryotic densities to increase with mussel biodeposit enrichment [9, 24]
Summary
As pointed out by Pearson and Rosenberg [1] four decades ago, the organic enrichment of marine waters and sediments remains one of the most universal environmental disturbances. Bivalve aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sectors in the food growing industry, with the number of farms and total production of bivalves increasing continuously over the past several decades. According to the FAO (http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/en), the worldwide production of mussels of ~70 thousand tonnes in 1950 has since increased to ~1.8 million tonnes in 2011. Despite the broad benefits provided by bivalve farming ( economic interests), bivalve culture is known to have negative impacts on the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0123681. Influence of Mussel Biodeposits on Benthic Prokaryotic Communities Despite the broad benefits provided by bivalve farming ( economic interests), bivalve culture is known to have negative impacts on the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0123681 April 29, 2015
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